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Nicholas is a man on a nursing mission
Nicholas Cronning, a dedicated male nurse, believes in creating balance in healthcare. For him, it's not about breaking stereotypes but embracing the power of diversity in patient care.
“There’s a need for more men in nursing,” he said.
“We bring a different dynamic to the team, especially in areas like mental health and emergency departments where physical presence can be useful.”
Originally from South Africa, the 43-year-old started his healthcare journey volunteering as a paramedic, but it wasn’t until he immigrated to Australia that he saw an opportunity to pursue his nursing dream.
“I was working with at-risk mental health patients in the public service and TAFE Queensland’s Diploma of Nursing (HLT54121) appealed to me because it allowed me to study while still working,” he said.
“The admin team made the process easy from the start, and the online study options were perfect for my circumstances. I could watch recorded lectures during night shifts.”
After completing the Diploma of Nursing at the Southport campus, Nicholas transitioned seamlessly into TAFE Queensland’s Bachelor of Nursing (HED007), while working as an Enrolled Nurse (EN) in a graduate program on a medical-surgical ward.
“The combination of working while earning my bachelor is like I get to study twice,” he said.
“I attend a lecture on a topic, and then I see it play out in real life at work. The hands-on experience makes everything click.”
For Nicholas, the streamlined path from the Diploma to the Bachelor is the ideal choice.
“You can begin with the Diploma, gain industry experience, and decide if nursing is the right fit for you before committing to a bachelor’s degree,” he said.
“On top of that, you get one year of credit towards the three-year degree—it's an obvious win.”
He believes this pathway is especially beneficial for older students or those balancing work and family commitments.
Nicholas’s time at TAFE Queensland has not only provided him with the education he needed to build his nursing career but also offered invaluable real-world experiences.
During his placements, he was involved in high-pressure situations, including a Medical Emergency Team (MET) call and a Code Black.
“Those experiences prepared me for the realities of nursing,” he said.
"The clinical labs at the Southport campus felt like real hospital settings, and our teachers were incredible at debriefing after intense situations, thanks to their own experience working in the industry."
Nicholas is excited about the future of his nursing career and feels grateful for the pathway TAFE Queensland provided.
His advice men considering nursing.
“Nursing is so much more than you think. It’s a career that offers endless opportunities, and it’s made me a better person. If you’re looking for a meaningful career, especially as a man, nursing is worth exploring,” he said.